Anna Maria Island - An Island Jewel

Special to the Sentinel

Nestled in the Gulf of Mexico, just south of Tampa, Florida lies a small 7 mile island jewel, where the multi-hued, crystal-clear blue waters beckon visitors to relax and the white sandy beaches are beyond compare.

This jewel is Anna Maria Island and it’s waiting for you to experience and enjoy its old world charm, laid back attitude, friendly ambiance and natural beauty. Anna Maria Island proves that size doesn’t matter when it comes to fun in paradise!

With clear turquoise waters and sugar white sandy beaches, this stretch of paradise is an ideal place to relax and get away from it all. Here, "old Florida" charm can still be found, flip flops are a way of life, and the speed limit never exceeds 35 mph.

Unlike other islands, visitors won’t find any chain restaurants or high rise hotels here. Instead they will find exceptional family owned restaurants, coffee shops, boutiques and resort style accommodations. The island is known as "the friendly island" because visitors come as our guests and leave as our friends. Enjoy a sunrise overlooking the bay and watch a picture-perfect Florida sunset all in a day.

From eco-friendly island retreats to first class family and romantic “stay-cations”, anyone can enjoy fun in the sun and explore nature. Walk the uninterrupted island-long coastline along pristine beaches, watch the kids play in the sand, experience wildlife, observe turtles nesting & dolphins playing.

Shop in quaint, historic shopping districts throughout the island. Biking, kayaking, boating, fishing, parasailing and more are all at your fingertips. There is even a free trolley to take you to your favorite island destinations. With an island paradise like no other, it is no wonder Anna Maria Island is rated the #3 top island to visit on TripAdvisor!! What are you waiting for, "Anna aria Awaits You!"